Arequipa

Noble and Volcanic

Location: Nestling between the coast and the southern highlands of Peru, Arequipa is the land of with great destinations with heights on snow-capped peaks such as Ampato (6,288 m), volcanoes like Chachani (6,075 m) and El Misti (5,825 m).

Find out mroe about Arequipa

Living culture, nature and adventure:

For those with an interest in ancient civilisations, handicraft collectors, bird watchers, hot springs and mountaineering lovers, canoeing, trekking and adventure sports fans.

One of the first 17th century monuments in the City. It was built of "sillar" (a volcanic stone) in the neoclassical style. It houses invaluable objects, like a church pulpit brought from Lille, France, and a 15-metre high monumental Belgian organ.

Complex of buildings erected by the Jesuits for religious and residential purposes. The buildings form a monument that, according to many, exemplifies the most beautiful 17th century (1660) religious architecture. The temple dominates the centre of the complex. The interior of the temple houses more than sixty paintings of the Cuzco school, by artists such as Bernardo Bitti and Diego de la Puente.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Built in 1580 and eventually expanded to include cloisters, plazas, streets, tiled roofs, and cobblestone paving, this walled citadel served as a totally enclosed convent for nuns from the city's most distinguished families. The town's interior houses valuable colonial paintings of the Cuzco School, carvings and figures, religious relics, and well-preserved physical settings typical of daily life more than four hundred years ago.

Built with a bell tower, it consists of a vestibule with a corner pedestal and an impeccable arch beneath the choir. Visitors who venture inside can appreciate imagery and paintings with sacred motifs. It is also remarkable for its side entrance, which is the oldest in Arequipa. The main cloister of the convent was built around 1734. Considered the oldest temple in Arequipa, the Cristo Crucificado (Crucified Christ) at the high altar is one of the most beautiful images in the temple, and is associated with an old legend known as Quasimodo.

Goyeneche House

Mid-16th century colonial-style mansion built of "sillar" stone. Cuzco-School paintings and Granadina-School sculptures from the 17th century can be found here. It is named after Don Juan de Goyeneche y Aguerreverre, who acquired it in 1782. It is currently home to the Arequipa Central Reserve Bank. Visitors to its galleries can see a numismatic exhibition and admire works in gold.

Sabandía (Arequipa)

Traditional village surrounded by unique landscapes, broad terraces and three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Some of its houses have even retained characteristics of the viceregal or 19th century republican style. There is a recreational complex with two swimming pools fed by the cold water of the springs in the surrounding area.

Yanahuara scenic viewpoint (Arequipa)

Visiting Hours :
Any time during the day.

Location :
2 km from the centre of Arequipa (6 minutes by car).

Arequipa

Built in the 19th century, it consists of a series of "sillar" arches, on which words of famous Arequipans have been recorded. From here, visitors are afforded a superb view of the city and the Misti volcano. On Easter Sunday, the plaza is the setting for the traditional Judas-burning, wherein en effigy is burned that represents a current member of society whose actions have incurred the ire of the people.

Founder's Mansion, Socabaya (Arequipa)

Visiting Hours :
Monday - Sunday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Location :
9 km from Arequipa (15 minutes by car).

Arequipa

One of the most significant and traditional stately homes or mansions in the region, built from "sillar" on the edge of a cliff. It is said that Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, founder of Arequipa, ordered its construction for his son. Later, in 1785, don Juan Crisóstomo de Goyeneche y Aguerreverre, its new owner, renovated it with the stately characteristics it bears today.

Sumbay Caves - Cave Art (Arequipa)

Visiting Hours :
Any time during the day.

Location :
97 km to the north of Arequipa along the Caylloma road (1 hour 45 minutes by bus).

Arequipa

Located within the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, they are home to more than 500 cave paintings. These depictions, possibly made by the first settlers in the area, are approximately 6,000 to 8,000 years old.

Carnival Celebrations in Camana

Arequipa

Begins: 26-February-2017 Ends: 26-February-2017

The guachanacos (masked riders) roam the streets of the tow for 3 days before inviting people to celebrate carnival. On the main day of the festival, the "yunza" or "cortamonte" takes place, and people can also sample delicious food typical of the region.

Virgin of Chapi

Arequipa

Begins: 01-May-2017 Ends: 01-May-2017

Pilgrimage that involves crossing the Arequipa Desert to worship the Virgin of Purification, or Virgin of Chapi. Pilgrims carry rocks of different sizes, forming the so-called apachetas, to symbolize the sins of the devout. At night, the image of the miraculous Virgin is surrounded by an infinite number of candles, and then the Virgin is carried in a procession. There are also fireworks and typical food.

Anniversary of the City of Arequipa

Arequipa

Begins: 01-August-2017 Ends: 31-August-2017

For this celebration, the International Fair of Arequipa (located on Mount Juli) is held, as well as artisanal exhibitions in Fundo El Fierro, the Festidanza dance festival, and the international contest that involves climbing Mount Misti (Ascenso al Misti). On August 15, the main day, a Friendship Parade marches through the town.

Feast of Santa Ursula

Arequipa

Begins: 21-October-2017 Ends: 21-October-2017

A very popular and typical feast celebrated by residents. It is celebrated with the entrance of the “capo” herb, the burning of the “yareta”, fireworks, masses, and processions. In addition, there are bull fights with Spanish bullfighting apprentices, and traditional cock fights are also held.

Immaculate Conception

Arequipa

Begins: 07-December-2017 Ends: 10-December-2017

On 8 December, after the procession, men dressed in women’s clothes approach women and kidnap them in a unique dance. It is a good time to visit the 16 baroque churches of the Colca Valley, its hot springs (La Calera), and the beautiful terraces of one of the deepest canyons in the world, as well as contemplating the marvellous flight of the condor.